"Fruit for the sightscreen."

Bangladesh 2006

What's the most striking thing about the telecast from Bangladesh? Apart from that lag between a run being scored and the graphics updating, that is. Well, it's this: they are showing pictures of cricket coupled with people talking about it - and that's all. A novel concept, sure, but a welcome one none the less. There's been no Hawkeye, no Speedo, no Snicko and no Wagonwheel. (If there has, I ain't seen it.)

This modest coverage has been a refreshing change of pace. Not that the pictures are any better, mind, but by keeping it simple they've given us a much-needed break from Channel Nine's relentless selling of tat, gadget overkill and tendency to shout at the slightest provocation.

Sure, Thommo says some puzzling things - naturally, I can't think of an example off the top o' me nadger - but he doesn't TRY to impress the viewer. He's natural. And the subcontinental crew are all eminently easy on the ear - Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bogle, Sunny Gavaskar, Wasim Akram (It is him, isn't it?) and the local boy, whatever his name is. Harsh, in particular does a nice line of banter with Thommo.

Yeah, I hear you - "They don't have the technology in Bangladesh". But so what. The low-key coverage is still a welcome holiday from those grating Yarpie accents and the Channel Nine Cricket Emporium.

It's ridiculous Australia are playing a test in Bangladesh less than a week after they played one in Sorth Efrica. Even without the trampolines to sand-pits it's pretty much a no-win situation. Very no-win, as it's turned out. So. Just what does any self-respecting sports fan do in this situation? Have a bitch, of course, then go witch hunting for scape goats.